Stephen Dau's The Book of Jonas is a marvelous, lyrical debut that examines the effects of war on everyone involved. Dau weaves together the stories...
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An outsider's account of a troubled aristocratic family, written by the celebrated English novelist. Charles Ryder, the narrator, is a dull and rather pompous undergraduate at Oxford when he meets Sebastian Flyte, a wealthy and sybaritic classmate. The two become improbable friends, and Sebastian brings Charles to Brideshead, his family estate, and introduces him into the circle of rich aristocratic layabouts who inhabit the place. Charles falls in love with Sebastian's sister, Julia, but religious objections (Charles is divorced, and the Flytes are Catholics) stand in the way of their marriage. Although strongly satirical in parts, and written with the savage wit for which Waugh was renowned, Brideshead Revisited is a work of rare sensitivity and depth.
Review:
"'My theme,' says the narrator in Evelyn Waugh's latest, his most carefully written and deeply felt novel, 'is memory, that winged host.' It has an almost romantic sense of wonder, together with the provocative, personal point of view of a writer who sees life realistically. The emotional tone and content of Brideshead Revisited are accordingly heightened beyond any Mr. Waugh has acheived before. Brideshead Revisted is Mr. Waugh' finest achievement." John K. Hutchens, New York Times review, December 1945
Ben Sergoke, January 1, 2011 (view all comments by Ben Sergoke)
I was recently given "Brideshead Revisited" by a friend. I had never read Evelyn Waugh before, though I'd always intended to. Initially, I was bored by the war scenes in the introductory chapter, and then the book began to feel a bit garish, reminding me of Gatsby, especially in the party scenes toward the middle of the book. However, in the final few pages, the truth comes out. The main characters conclude that love is not enough to create or save a relationship. Life, in their experience, becomes more about what is given to them--the facts of their existence--than about how they can manipulate, avoid, or change those facts. This book has been an inspiration to me for the upcoming year, as I strive to live with ever greater honesty.
Product details
368 pages
Back Bay Books -
English9780316926348
Reviews:
"Review"
by John K. Hutchens, New York Times review, December 1945,
"'My theme,' says the narrator in Evelyn Waugh's latest, his most carefully written and deeply felt novel, 'is memory, that winged host.' It has an almost romantic sense of wonder, together with the provocative, personal point of view of a writer who sees life realistically. The emotional tone and content of Brideshead Revisited are accordingly heightened beyond any Mr. Waugh has acheived before. Brideshead Revisted is Mr. Waugh' finest achievement."
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